Customer Reviews

Pyrography Workbook: A Complete Guide to the Art of Woodburning

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am totally new to this craft - and after reveiwing/researching
many other books, went for this. I didn't have a woodburner yet - (exp - girlscouts 30+ years ago)

I found this to be absolutely gradiently wonderful! From know-nothing to informed with understanding on the tool, what it could do, and surprise! - a wildlifer I am NOT! But... the way that each project was broken down - I knew that instead of all the complexity, even I could now do it with a working knowledge and understanding!

Sue showcases everything she did with 4 basic tips - and has a great "texture" chart that if you are paying attention and don't gloss over it, you'll gain a lot in what tips produce what pattern. You come away with a major understanding of what the tips can do, and what to look for.

I went online and looked at woodburning kits, yet though some of the names of tips are different - if you know the shape - you have it made. I was also on a limited budget - BUT!>>>

I walked into a Ben Franklin's craft store - and instead of wandering and wondering - found a pen and the 4 basic tips - (close enough!) from Walnut Hollow - #5570 - Creative Woodburner Value Pen - 13.00. (They also have a website.) It comes with the pen, stand, the 4 basic tips, and the cord has an on/off switch.
The tips are the screw-on type, and they have tons more you can get. PERFECT and all there for a pyro tyro -!

Overall, BECAUSE of Sue's book, I was rolling, and off a day after reading it - she is wonderfully gradient and sequential, hits the fine points, has incredible projects included, and is just clear as a bell to read. This book is perfect for those new to the craft. It's well and simply written.

Buy this book! If you think woodburning was the simple girl/boy scouts, you have a major surprise in the artistry you can attain with this.
BUY THIS BOOK! BUY THIS BOOK! BUY THIS BOOK! love ya! Jen

As a beginning woodburner, this is JUST the book I was looking for. So much content! So much detail info! So well organized! I had previously bought a $50 Pyrography book that had 329 pages, most of it Marketing Hype. Ms Walters had more info in the first 2 chapters than he did in his 329 pages. She covers so much of the style and variations that this would be a valuable resource for experienced woodburners. I returned the $50 book!!! Add this book to your library!!!

I found this book to be the most inclusive pyrography workbook in the marketplace! From the basics of equipment and safety practices, to transferring images, to techniques and troubleshooting...this book has it all. The texture chart showing how to achieve a plethora of realistic textures is absolutely incredible. Simple and easy to understand and all with just the use of three nibs! I was amazed at just how versatile this tool can be. The 3 projects included are beautifully laid out in a series of step-by-step pictures outlining the progression of each work...so you can truly watch them come to life in front of your eyes. So many manuals are vague and obscure in their direction...but not this one. Details are outlined to a "T". An additional section on realistic fur burning techniques is a must for all us animal lovers. What is generally deemed such a difficult subject to tackle is presented in a totally new light...not nearly as daunting as one would think. I recommend this book to both novice as well as veteran pyrographers everywhere. It is more than apparent by the picture gallery that Ms Walters is a truly gifted artist and the content of this book reveals a willingness to share her wisdom and expertise in the field of pyrography. Thank you for an outstanding book!

I really cannot recommend this one highly enough. I have been involed in this art form for well over thirty years now and this is by far one of the best works on the subject. I did find, after reading it, that you can indeed "teach a old dog new tricks!" For the beginner, I do not feel you could find a better guide on the market. For the "old hand" this work is just crammed with good ideas to get the creative juices flowing. I have collected books of this type for a long time now and have qutie a collection, some good, some bad and some great. This one falls in the last category mentioned. You will want to purchase this one if you are like me, as you will be continually referring to it. Highly recommend.

Any book subtitled 'A Complete Guide' sets itself up to fall short, but I have to say this is a very thorough look at the materials, tools, and techniques of pyrography. Sue Walters covers a great amount of information with clear text and photos, excellent organization, and (being down under) a much more global look at availability of tools and surfaces than you'll find in other pyro books. She covers wood, leather, paper, gourds, and several other materials, while other authors stick mainly to wood. (Fabric is the only omission I noticed.) Although this book has the work of only one person, the variety of surfaces, styles, and techniques will leave you thinking she has a split personality, in a very good way. The short chapter on texturing includes a chart that concisely explains how 70 textures were created, including the nib used. By texture, I don't mean just the illusion of texture; many include the 3-D advantage that burning can have over drawing. The way she brings eyes to life is fantastic.

There must be something that I didn't like. Well, yes, I don't see the degree of outlining in the visible world that she employs in some of her work, but since line drawing is one of the styles that can be done with a hot pen, this book would be incomplete without some outlines, wouldn't it? Also, I would have liked more variety in the examples and patterns, which are almost all wildlife. No landscapes, no buildings, no still life. But forget the quibbles, because you'll have a good foundation to do any subject, after you read this wealth of information. You won't regret buying this book.

This is one incredible instruction book on how to do pyrography. Sue Walters is one of the best pyrographers in the world. I highly recommend this book for improving your technique and learning to burn animal fur.

By far the best book I have found for pyrography. I have been doing pyrography for 5 years and have done over 100 pictures.

A complete and detailed book, with a lot of necessary technical info and tutoring for beginners and advanced. Nice touch are the beautifull step by step examples you can make at the end of the book. If you plan to buy only one book on pyrography, this is it!

I only did some pyrography when I was very young, and the patterns were already on the boards.

I found the beginner patterns to be more advanced, in my opinion. (However, I haven't burned the copied one on my board, as yet. If I find time, it's ready to go!)

I think I need something even more beginner oriented, as far as patterns go.

Overall, there is a LOT of GREAT information in this book that's helped me decide on a burner, wood types to use, etc.

I'm happy with the book.

This is an awesome book. The details given to creating a project in this book is great. Anyone could pick up this book and apply the techniques and produce a great piece of art.

Must have.